“I cant just let it end like this. His been
such a good friend and letting him run off hurt and hating me. I just can’t do it. I love him so much, but just not
that way. He needs to know that I don’t love him as much as do”.

Squib sighed “I’ll tell the
others you will be down soon”

“Thanks” Cody gave him a quick smile and ran off.

Squib sighed,
he really hoped Cody felt no more then friendship for this guy.

*

“Michael!” Cody shouted when
she finally spotted him at the edge of her drive way.

He turned slowly “hey Squirt”.

Cody smile
slowly “hey Mike.. I’m sorry about..”.

“Forget it okay. Pretend I never came”.

Cody
shook her head “I can’t do that Michael. I love you so much ! as a friend. You’ve been like a brother to
me and I don’t want to lose our friendship over this”.

“You moved back for him didn’t you”.

“what?”
Cody was a little taken back by the question.

“That’s why you came home”.

“Ah…
yes. Truthful Squib was the main reason I came home. I love him Mike”.

“Cody !” Michael screamed
“You don’t even know him ! Where was he when you got your first hangover, when you had mono, when you failed you
science test, when you dated Matt and Patrick, when you cried because you were homesick! When HE didn’t return your
emails, letters, phone calls?! He wasn’t there Cody! But I was! I was there for you threw all that!”.

“And
im grateful” Cody broke in tears streaming down her face.

“So grateful you just up and move away!”.

“
You didn’t even say goodbye!” Cody yelled, “How much do you love me”.

“It would have
killed me to say goodbye Cody!”.

“Michael I’m sorry ! I’m so sorry! But I love Squib I always
have and I always will. He was there for me before I even knew you”.

“Cody when was he there for you? Between
matches! Tennis will always be his first and always love. It comes before you”.

“You don’t even know
him” Cody growled.

“He didn’t come after you. I came after you! Where was he for two years! “.

“He
came”

“When!”

“Last week!”

“Jesus Cody last week! He waited long
enough. Even Rick cared enough to come visit. The others wrote. What did he do? He forgot about you Cody, because tennis is
more important!”.

“Go home!” Cody screamed, “Get away from me”.

“Cody”
Michael said softly, hating that he made her cry so much “You know It’s true!”.

“get away from
me !” Cody screamed, “I hate you”.

Tears ran down Michaels face “Call me when you get a clue!”
and with that he was gone. Leaving Cody alone on the ground crying her eyes out. Finally she pulled herself from the ground
and dragged herself to the beach.

“hey guys” she said half heartily putting a fake smile on her face.

They
all turned “Cody what’s wrong?” Adena asked standing up and making her way over to her friend.

“Everything’s
perfect” Cody smiled.

Nobody said anything but she was clearly upset. When Squib put his arm around her she flinched
and she never really said anything much. After only being there an hour she stood up “I’m really tired guys. Delayed
jetlag or something, I think I’m going to head back. I had a great time though, so thanks”.